How to Do Things

Swine flu, also called H1N1 is a viral infection that causes illness among people. It first originated from pigs in the 1930s, but was first detected among humans in the April of 2009. The H1N1 spreads among humans in the same way as the normal influenza spreads; through touching, sneezing, coughing etc. This article will tell you how to protect from swine flu.

The symptoms of swine flu are similar to that of common flu, which makes it difficult to detect at an early stage. These symptoms are coughing, congestion, body ache, joint pain, sore throat, fatigue, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches and in rare cases even death. Children, old people and pregnant women are a greater risk for developing the infection. People with medical conditions such as asthma, blood disorder, kidney and liver disorder, diabetes etc are also more prone to get infected from H1N1.

There are vaccines available now at hospitals to protect you from swine flu. There are also many everyday actions that can help in preventing the spread of this virus.

Here are a few steps you can follow to protect from swine flu:

1. Sanitize
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water at regular intervals; before and after meals, after going to the toilet and after coming home from outside.
• You must spend at least 20 seconds to wash your hands as almost 80% of the infection is spread through hands.
• If you don’t have access to soap and water all the time, keep a sanitizer with you that has 60% alcohol content.
2. Avoid
• Stay away from crowded places and reduce unnecessary social contact. Don’t meet people who are already down with flu or if you think they are infected.
• You cannot, of course, avoid going to office, but avoid going out otherwise.
• If you must go outside, then ensure that you keep a safe distance from infected people and wear surgical or dental masks to reduce the chances of infection.
• However, don’t rely on masks alone as they are not foolproof and do not protect you from swine flu totally.
3. Be Alert
• Since swine flu symptoms are similar to that of common cold, you must be extra careful.
• Seek immediate medical help if the symptoms do not go away in a few days or worsen.
• Remember that swine flu can be treated effectively if you get medical attention at the right time.
4. Hygiene
• The basic step that you yourself can take to reduce the spread of this virus is by following good hygiene habits.
• Always carry a handkerchief or a tissue and use it to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
• If you are using tissues, throw them in the dustbin after one use; don’t put it back in your pocket or purse.
5. Cleanliness
• Maintain cleanliness in your home and at work to protect from swine flu.
• Keep your home clean and sanitized, especially bathrooms and kitchens. Wipe flat surfaces with disinfectants.
• Follow the same practice at your workplace by wiping your computer, desk, phone etc with strong disinfectant.
6. Do not panic
• If you think that you have contacted the virus, don’t panic.
• Take paracetamol tablets for fever and other medicines for cold and if the symptoms persist, consult a doctor and follow his instructions carefully.
7. Extra care
• You need to be extra careful with small children (especially babies and kids under the age of 5), elderly (people aged over 60) and chronic patients.
• They may seek immediate medical help in case of infection because of their delicate immune system.

Follow these simple steps and protect yourself from swine flu.